Yeah, I know it has been ages since my last update. Hadn't been feeling too well and then I had major computer problems. I had to get a new hard drive and added more RAM for good measure. Took forever to get the hard drive loaded back up properly. Good news is that it works like a champ now. Cruises along like it should, no more Low System Resource errors like I was used to seeing frequently. Amazing what Windows will do when you give it the horsepower it wants. The hard drive is a bit faster than the old one. Upped the RAM from 1.5 GB to 4.0GB. Of course, XP only reports 3.5GB but it was a significant upgrade.
Alot has happened since my last update. The heart scan was good so I was able to start chemo again. I hate chemo but if it helps keep me alive I will tolerate it. First I had to get a PIC line installed. It is similar to having the infusion port in that it gives them easy access. Basically, I have an IV port hanging from my right arm. It keeps taped up in place pretty well. It is located just above my right elbow. It can also be used to draw blood for tests so that part is nice. I hate getting stuck, especially since my veins are not in very good shape any more.
I got my PIC line put on Monday, the 8th and started chemo the next day. I got two different drugs via the PIC line (Unfortunately I can't find the info on the names of those 2.) The third drug I take orally, 2 tablets, twice daily. That one is called Xeloda and it is used to make 5FU internally. That is what I used to have to get via infusion pump all week. So this is definitely easier to do.
I went back last Tuesday, the 15th, to get the PIC line flushed out and my blood tested. I am still on warfarin, the blood thinner, so they have to keep a close eye on my levels. Fortunately the levels are staying right where they want them so I have not had to increase the dosage. I surely do not want to be in any position to bleed to death. Can't win for losing LOL!
Trying my best to stay positive but it has been difficult to do with everything that has been going on. Pierre did a pretty cool thing awhile ago. He got a hair cut and had the words FIGHT and IT shaved into his hair. I got pictures I will try to post here. We all wear periwinkle blue rubber bracelets that have Say it - Fight It - Cure it on them. Periwinkle blue is the color for gastric and esophageal cancer. Pierre continues to be great help to me and the family.
I will sign off for now. Going to try to find those pictures and get them posted here soon. Take care and God Bless.
